Que: Nearly half of WOG’s ~200 global projects convert industrial effluent into Bio-CNG. What is your roadmap to scale this model, both domestically and internationally?

Ans: Bio-CNG has a very promising future. Domestically, we are very bullish on Bio-CNG, and with supportive central and state government policies, we are planning multiple Bio-Methane/CNG plants in the country. On the international front, WOG has already delivered many successful biomethane plants.

Que: WOG’s five-pronged innovation suite includes Compressed Biogas, Biochar, Pyrolysis, Torrefaction, and Sewage-to-Hydrogen systems. Which of these technologies has shown the greatest commercial traction so far, and why?

Ans: Commercially, Bio-CNG is already being produced by many players, with close to 100 operational plants across the country. Among all options, torrefaction holds high potential due to the central government’s mandate on biomass-based fuel blending at TPPs and the presence of over 100 potential TPPs that will require this. Hard-to-abate CO₂-emitting sectors, such as steel, are already conducting trials with biochar to replace pulverised coal in blast furnaces and sintering plants. Sewage-to-hydrogen is still a work in progress, and the technology is expected to mature over the next 2–3 years.

Que: WOG’s end-to-end model, from feedstock assessment to off-take, is said to secure multiple revenue streams through energy, fertilisers, carbon credits, and compost. Could you share how this integrated approach enhances project viability and stakehold

Ans: This is a prime example of circularity. Biomass feedstock is valorised either as a renewable, carbon-neutral energy source through torrefaction, as carbon-dense biochar for industries seeking to replace fossil coal as much as possible, or sequestered back into the soil as organic fertiliser, enhancing soil organic carbon, improving water retention, and supporting nutrient uptake by plants, while earning carbon credits in the process. There is a revenue stream at every stage, whether from supplying renewable energy or returning it to the soil.

Que: WOG maintains a strong R&D culture, including pilot and demonstration units from bench-scale to onsite deployment. Can you tell us about a standout pilot project that led to its commercial adoption, particularly in the renewable energy sector?

Ans: Through its strong R&D and innovative process solutions culture, WOG has already addressed several industry challenges, including eliminating the use of millions of tonnes of acids in the textile industry, reducing 17 process steps to just 2 in the oil and gas industry, saving several million dollars in OPEX annually, and achieving over 90 percent conversion of organics into bio-methane/Bio-CNG. WOG is currently working on five major industry challenges in its R&D, with a primary focus on bioenergy and circularity solutions for the bioenergy sector. The company is also in the process of building the next generation of its R&D laboratory and technology centre.

Que: What is your roadmap for globalising your renewable energy footprint beyond India?

Ans: India presents a significant opportunity for various renewable energy technologies, with central and state governments now proactively supporting such initiatives through policy interventions. Many of these technologies, such as CBG using feedstocks like MSW and Napier grass; biochar through pyrolysis of multiple feedstocks including bamboo; torrefaction; green hydrogen; SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel); and SMF (Sustainable Marine Fuels) are under active consideration. Once the initial projects are successfully deployed, we are confident of replicating their success in overseas markets.

Que: Given the evolving landscape of the circular economy and decarbonisation, what emerging technologies or market segments are you exploring next within renewable energy?

Ans: The Indian government is committed to achieving a 50 percent contribution of renewable energy sources in the total energy basket by 2030. While the 20 percent ethanol blending target has already been met, the CBG industry is witnessing steady growth. The key now is to introduce technology interventions that improve yields and make the bottom line more attractive for investors. Replacing fossil coal with renewable, carbon-neutral fuel presents another promising opportunity. Just as the solar industry received an initial government push, similar support for biomass manufacturers could accelerate industry growth. With abundant and diverse agro-biomass available across the country, high-carbon-density biochar, both for sequestration and for replacing fossil fuel in the steel industry, emerges as another strong opportunity over the next 2–5 years.